Hi - I'm planning my first trip to Yosemite this July (2017) and I have a couple questions about Glacier point. Thanks!

1. Is sunrise typically just as spectacular as sunset? (Seems like it would be less crowded)2. If we aim for sunset on Glacier point, and hike up the 4-mile trail, is it safe to walk back down in the dark? Or is there a shuttle down?

We'll have 3 and a half days to explore the park, but our airbnb in an hour away, so I'm trying to figure out what to do each day.

The bus is a tour bus, and I believe the last one was around 3 -4 pm. So no, there is no shuttle down.

All the trails in Yosemite are well maintained and pretty broad. However, it is disorienting to hike after dark sometimes, particularly if there are use trails that get well established -- every so often you might run across one that leads a short distance to a viewpoint or a convenient bush to pee behind, and it's a popular thing also to accidentally walk off a water bar into the woods, inadvertently creating a trail. So while you will probably be fine with a good flashlight or headlamp, it would be good to take care you don't end up accidentally lost.

I would drive up to the Sentinel Dome parking lot and do sunset on that vantage point, then walk back to the car on the mile of trail between that lot and the dome. We've had a potluck up there before. Less opportunities to be lost that way.

If you have that kind of time, spend one day hiking in Tuolumne Meadows (Gaylor Lakes, Pothole or Lembert Dome) and one day doing the classical Mist Trail/Nevada Falls Hike. One day for Sentinel Dome​/Tasting Point/Dewey Point, and the partial day just exiting the Valley, including out in the Meadows.

Alternate ideas? Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias or hiking to either Clouds Rest or Mt. Hoffman.

AlmostThere wrote: ...and it's a popular thing also to accidentally walk off a water bar into the woods, inadvertently creating a trail.

4.8 stars on Trip Advisor

I sure wish I could say I've never done it before, but...

We lost someone on Ten Lakes pass that way. She walked off into the woods, and a backpacker coming across off trail from Grant Lakes ran across her, otherwise she would have probably kept going until she hit Glen Aulin.